POS0317 IT’S TIME TO END THE STIGMA SURROUNDING INFECTIOUS MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES: A Q-METHODOLOGY STUDY
Authors: Y. Mabrouk, L. Rouached, Z. Syrine, A. Ben Ammou, S. Larbi, S. Akremi, A. Ben Abid, M. Ben Salah
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Although it still remains a rare disease, spondylodiscitis has been on the rise in the past decades. Early diagnosis can be difficult, but Improved diagnostic techniques and modern treatments have reduced patient mortality. However, the management of these patients comes up against a certain number of issues, including stigma. This stigmatization of the spondylodiscitis patient represents a real problem on the daily life. This considerably hinders his reintegration. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study is to explore prevailing prespectives concerning stigma among patients treated for spondyloscitis and so to identify potential determinants of these beliefs. <h3>Methods</h3> A Q- methodology study was carried out on patients treated for spondylodiscitis over a two-year period at a single spine center. The socio-demographic data, clinical, radiological, biological and therapeutic parameters were collected. Participants ranked 20 opinion statements about the impact of their disease on their daily life (social life, mental health, professional life, sex life) on an agreement scale. A by-person factor analysis identified common patterns in the rankings. These patterns represent the different viewpoints among the patients. Data from interviews, in which they explained their ranking, was used to further interpret the viewpoints. All data was collected after patient consent and was analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. <h3>Results</h3> Thirty patients were selected for the study, with a sex ratio (M/ F) of 1.57. Their average age was 56 [18_73]. The analysis revealed four viewpoints. At least 2 participants were significantly associated with each factor (p&lt;0.05). 1)« The subject of stigma must be seriously addressed by health professionals and authorities » 2)« lack of self-esteem has limited my social life » 3)« challenged doubly, both by the disease and by the stigma associated with it » 4)« physical changes make me feel less confident about sex ». In our series, there were positive correlations between gender, VAS (visual analog scale) spinal pain, presence of spinal syndrome and viewpoint 2: p=0.035, p=0.04 and p=0.008, respectively. In the same way, there were positive correlations between high pain catastrophizing scores and viewpoint 3: p=0.02. Viewpoint 4 was associated to depression thoughts, according to the hospital anxiety and depression scale: HAD: p=0.03. <h3>Conclusion</h3> We identified 4 viewpoints on the impact of spondylodiscitis on daily life. In fact, we have noticed that this disease affects relationships and self-confidence. It can lead also to the exclusion of the individual. Therefore, Various strategies are needed to combat the stigma related to infectious musculoskeletal diseases such as spondylodiscitis, which remains a frequent problem with multiple consequences. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> NIL. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.